Grandparents Day a 'special' celebration

Ben Furtado/Auburn JournalRose Scicluna, of Auburn, shows off one of her cards which was given to her by students at Rock Creek Elementary in honor of Grandparent Day Friday morning. Scicluna has 36 grandchildren, some of whom are living in Auburn and as far away as Africa.

As the sounds of “To Grandmother’s House We Go” pumped through the Rock Creek School gym, children danced and proud grandparents watched in a day meant to celebrate and give back.
Kindergartner teacher Beckie Lopez King and first-grade teacher Debbie Peterson decided to hold the school’s first-ever Grandparents Day celebration Friday to give back to the older adults in the community who contribute to the school.
Lopez King said seniors from nearby older adult homes often invite children to visit them. She said she and Peterson wanted to return the favor.
“They’re always helping us so we thought that was one way the children could extend out the invite and give back,” Lopez King said.
On Friday the gym was filled with kindergarten and first-grade students. The students opened the morning by singing various songs. They then ran around the gym giving handmade cards they made and fresh flowers to the more than 80 grandparents in attendance. Community businesses also donated pastries and beverages for the event.
Ophir residents Helen and Duane Voges were among the crowd of proud grandparents. They said they currently have three of their 13 grandchildren enrolled at Rock Creek School and were enjoying watching their youngest grandchild, 5-year-old Emily Voges, take part in the chicken dance.
“It’s a special day to come and see the kids perform,” Helen Voges said.
The Voges were eager to show off the cards they received from the children. One wrote that grandparents were special because “they love and treet me with respect.” Their granddaughter Emily wrote that she liked the cookies her grandparents made.
“That’s pretty cool, huh?” Helen Voges said, beaming. “It’s pretty special.”
While Emily was taking a break from dancing, she said she was happy her grandparents came to the event.
“I love them,” she exclaimed.
Rose Scicluna of Auburn was another happy grandparent at Rock Creek School. She was there to share the day with first-grader Amanda Wells, who is one of her 36 grandchildren.
“Wherever I go there’s always a crowd following me,” Scicluna joked.
She said she truly enjoyed the morning activities.
“It’s been wonderful,” Scicluna said. “The kids are adorable and they try so hard.”
The highlight of the morning, Lopez King said, was seeing the way the grandparents’ faces lit up.
“It’s very important to honor our grandparents and family,” Lopes King said.
Helen Voges added that she hopes more grandparents are able to share these types of days with their grandchildren.
“I wish more grandparents could be here,” Helen Voges said. “It’s great to have grandchildren.”
The Journal’s Jenifer Gee can be reached at jeniferg@goldcountrymedia.com or post a comment.